Spicy shrimp with tomatoes and feta is a bold and satisfying dish that’s as healthy as it is delicious.
This recipe combines tender shrimp with a rich, spicy tomato sauce and a hint of creamy feta, creating a perfect balance of flavors. This dish will quickly become a favorite in your healthy food repertoire.
Why This Healthy Recipe Is a Must-Try
This dish isn’t just tasty—it’s a wholesome and healthy option for any meal. Shrimp is packed with protein and low in fat, making it a smart choice for anyone looking to maintain a balanced diet.
The tomatoes bring a hearty dose of vitamins and antioxidants, while the feta adds a creamy texture without overpowering the dish with excess calories.
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Best of all, this recipe is versatile. You can enjoy it on its own, pair it with rice, or even spoon it over zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
The bold flavors and simple preparation make it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.
Tips for Success
- Choose Fresh Shrimp: Opt for fresh or properly thawed shrimp to ensure the best texture and flavor. Look for large or extra-large shrimp that are peeled and deveined to save time in the kitchen.
- Balance the Spice: The red pepper flakes in this recipe bring just the right amount of heat, but you can adjust the level to suit your preferences. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount and taste as you go.
- Perfect Your Tomatoes: Grape or cherry tomatoes add a burst of natural sweetness. If you don’t have fresh tomatoes, canned diced tomatoes can work as a substitute, but try to use low-sodium options to keep this recipe as healthy as possible.
Modifications for Every Diet
This spicy shrimp with tomatoes and feta recipe is easily adaptable for various dietary needs:
- Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly: Skip the bread or pasta and serve this dish over cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure that all ingredients, including the tomato sauce, are labeled gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Replace feta with a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit it altogether for a lighter version of the recipe.
Storage & Meal Prep
This dish is not only quick to prepare but also great for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave in 30-second intervals. The flavors only deepen over time, making it a perfect make-ahead option.
For those who like to batch-cook, you can prepare the tomato sauce separately and freeze it. When ready to serve, simply defrost the sauce, cook the shrimp fresh, and combine.
Creative Variations
Feeling adventurous? This recipe is a great base for experimentation:
- Swap the Protein: Try substituting shrimp with cod, halibut, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Add Veggies: Stir in spinach or kale toward the end of cooking for extra nutrients.
- Boost the Flavor: A splash of white wine or lemon juice can elevate the sauce and add a tangy dimension to the dish.
A Delicious & Healthy Choice
Spicy shrimp with tomatoes and feta is more than just a meal—it’s a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that satisfies cravings while keeping your health goals in check. With its simple ingredients, bold flavors, and adaptability, this recipe proves that healthy food can be exciting and indulgent.
Serve it for a family dinner, a date night, or a solo meal to treat yourself. No matter how you enjoy it, this recipe is sure to leave you feeling nourished and delighted.
Healthy Spicy Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta Recipe
Equipment
- Large sauté pan with lid
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 medium yellow onion finely diced
- 2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes
- 6 garlic cloves roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
- 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds extra-large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Warm the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cherry tomatoes to the pan, stirring occasionally, and cook for about 4–5 minutes, or until the onions soften and the tomatoes start to burst.
- Stir in the garlic, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and paprika. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, letting the spices and garlic release their aroma.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and season with salt and pepper. Mix well to combine, then add the shrimp to the pan. Stir until the shrimp are evenly coated in the sauce. Cover the pan with a lid, lower the heat to medium-low, and allow the shrimp to cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove the lid, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the shrimp, and let it cook uncovered for another 2–3 minutes. This will warm the feta and help thicken the sauce slightly.
- Take the pan off the heat, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.